A Continuing Education Course For Physicians Who Cross Sexual Boundaries

Abstract

Physicians who cross sexual boundaries with patients pose a serious problem for themselves, the patient and the medical profession. The role of healer is compromised when the physician becomes romantically involved with a patient. In repsonse to the need for physician education about sexual boundaries, the Center for Professional Health at Vanderbilt conducts CME courses for physicians identified as crossing sexual boundaries with patients or medical staff under their supervision. Physicians participating in the course have had little or no training in non-sexual or sexual boundary limits, sexual harassment or proper office procedures to prevent boundary violations. Screening tests for sexual addiction in the physicians attending the course indicated that some physicians should have more in-depth assessments for sexual addiction.